For the second time in 10 years, all the magazine's top-10 picks are Japanese nameplates. This year's list includes five new models: the Toyota RAV4, Infiniti G35, Toyota Sienna, Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Honda Fit.

The list features vehicles that performed well in Consumer Reports' tests, have at least average predicted reliability and adequate performance in government and insurance industry crash protection tests.

The Toyota Prius ranked as the most satisfying vehicle overall for the fourth straight year based on the percentage of respondents who said they would buy the same model again, according to the magazine's annual car owner satisfaction survey. The Chevrolet Corvette again came in second.

"The Silverado impressed us most of all because it is a great reworking of an iconic American vehicle," said Angus MacKenzie, editor in chief of Motor Trend. "The Chevy pick up truck has been a part of the American automotive landscape for decades. This Silverado takes it into the twenty-first century."

MacKenzie said the 2007 Silverado is leaps ahead of the vehicle it is replacing, citing a number of measurable improvements in refinement and fuel-economy, such as a 5.3 liter V-8 engine that can shift into V-4 mode for greater mileage per gallon, and an optional interior that offers near-luxury car levels of comfort and equipment. The Motor Trend team also noted a tremendous improvement in perceived quality throughout the new Silverado. The use of upscale materials and thoughtful design details mean the new Silverado now beats some SUVs in terms of fit and finish.

General Motors engineers haven't forgotten the Silverado often works for a living. The new model offers a choice of cab and bed sizes, plus suspensions and drive trains, to suit a variety of applications. Developed in conjunction with GM's new GMT900 SUVs, the new Silverado remains truck-tough under its classy sheet metal.

MacKenzie added, "The Silverado offers traditional values people want in a pick-up - it's rugged, durable and versatile, but it's also stylish and comfortable. GM has done a good job in understanding that these trucks are not just for work but also for recreation, and it's done a great job in maintaining the Silverado's reputation for value - prices have only increased about $300 on most models."

"Creating an innovative, engaging automobile with broad mainstream appeal is one of the toughest tasks facing any automaker," said Angus MacKenzie, editor in chief of Motor Trend. "The Camry is the one car rival automakers all wish they could build. It offers something for nearly everyone—performance, efficiency, and roominess-at a price point most Americans can afford."

MacKenzie added, "Toyota offers the Camry with a regular four cylinder engine, or a sporty V-6 that enables it to hit 60mph in just six seconds – that's about as fast as a V-8 musclecar from the 60s and 70s. Buyers looking for ultimate fuel economy can choose the Camry Hybrid, which uses the same innovative hybrid powertrain technology as Toyota’s Prius to save gas."

"This boat is so ground-breaking and so trend-setting that the choice was completely unanimous," said Steele. "Usually it takes days for our editors to come to an agreement. This year, the decision was made in five minutes."

What sets the 345 Drummond Runner apart from the other 150 boats that the Boating Tech Team tested, was its cockpit. A free-standing island (much like those found in many home kitchens) sits halfway in the forward end of the cockpit. This center-island cockpit design frees up space in the main cabin, essentially making the 34.5 inch cabin seem as spacious as one found on a 40 footer. Other cockpit features include a 2.6 cubic foot refrigerator, stainless-steel microwave, single-burner gas stove, freshwater sink and stowage drawers, all of which make onboard cooking and eating an outdoors affair -- which it should be on any day it isn't raining.

Editors also agreed that cruising on the LS 345 Drummond was pure pleasure, thanks to an aggressive 24 1/2 inch-degree deadrise hull that's backed up by resin-infused fiberglass stringers. The boat also comes in a dedicated sportsfishing version for hardcore anglers.

Boating's Boat of the Year is chosen each year by the magazine's Tech Team based on performance, innovation, and value and is regarded as one of the marine industries highest honors.

"The Quattroporte is a styling masterpiece ... the unpretentious Pininfarina shape will continue to turn heads when other sedans have become yesterday's styling fad. It is these concours-winning looks, underpinned by performance and fit and finish that are world-class, that make the Quattroporte Sport GT our favorite new sedan."

Not surprisingly, the TRG ratings show that vehicle manufacturers that tend to sell luxury vehicles are including more safety and entertainment features than economy car maker Hyundai, which ranked last.

However, Lincoln, and Volvo's appearance along with Ford at the bottom was a bit of a surprise. Dodge and Toyota, and Chevy, which have vehicles at a wide variety of price ranges all were in the middle of the pack.

We'd expected BMW's compact executive contender to be good, but we didn't expect it to be this good. In recent years, the best compact execs have been separated by the smallest of margins. The BMW, especially the 2.0-litre diesel version recommended here, has raised standards more than we thought possible.

Whatever your priorities, it delivers. The 320d is every bit as sharp as you'd expect of a BMW. It's still the keen driver's choice, yet it combines this driver appeal with an impressively supple ride.

Refinement, however, is the area in which BMW has really rewritten the rules. This used to be Mercedes' patch, but now BMW is the quietest car in the class, making it the preferred choice for any journey you plan to tackle. An empty road, a city at rush hour, a long haul on the motorway – we'd take the BMW every time.

Any 3 Series is good, but the 320d is the pick of the crop. The 163bhp 2.0-litre diesel hits the sweet spot of performance, fuel economy, low emissions and refinement. There's little reason to spend extra to obtain one of the more powerful engine options.

"Honda deserves a standing ovation for not playing it safe again," said Angus MacKenzie, editor-in-chief of Motor Trend. "With the sizzling Si, a sleek coupe, an elegant sedan, and a Hybrid that averages 50 miles per gallon, each model shines through with what Motor Trend looks for when crowning Car of the Year. The engineering passion that Honda Motor Company was founded on radiates from these new Civics."

After two full weeks of intense scrutiny, track testing, performance drives, and walk-around appraisals, Motor Trend editors found each of the 2006 Honda Civic models to be fun to drive and terrific value. With their bold, contemporary styling and innovative technology the new Civics are primed for success in one of the most competitive market segments in the country. For the past nine years the Honda Civic has been the best-selling retail compact car in the U.S., with Honda expecting sales for these new models to be even stronger.

Mazda stormed to victory with 447 points, easily defeating the new Lexus GS (309) and BMW 3 Series (212).

Making up the top five was the Honda Civic (165 points) and Suzuki Swift (154). Technology of the Year went to Honda for the clever new Civic gas-hybrid powertrain. The JCOTY Most Fun prize was awarded to Suzuki's impressively redesigned Swift compact. BMW's 3 Series took Import Car of the Year.

1. 1995 Honda Civic
2. 1989 Toyota Camry
3. 1991 Honda Accord
4. 1994 Dodge Caravan
5. 1994 Chevrolet Full Size C/K 1500 Pickup
6. 1997 Ford F150 Series
7. 2003 Dodge Ram Pickup
8. 1990 Acura Integra
9. 1988 Toyota Pickup
10. 1991 Nissan Sentra

Common Sense:
The cheapest form of defense is to simply employ the anti-theft devices that are standard on all vehicles: locks. Lock your car and take your keys.

Warning Device:
Having and using a visible or audible warning device is another item that can ensure that your car remains where you left it.

Immobilizing Device:
"Kill" switches, fuel cut-offs, and smart keys are among the devices which are high and low tech, but extremely effective. Generally speaking, if your car won't start, it won't get stolen.

Tracking Device:
On the higher end of high tech are the newer devices which can alert you—and law enforcement—the moment an unauthorized user moves your vehicle.

Chrysler took a chance when it decided on such a radical design for the 300 and the results speak for themselves. Along with an award like Most Significant of the Year, the 300 will also serve to garner the respect of car buyers who always yearned for something a little different but couldn't justify something exotic to fulfill their wishes. The 300 not only gives them something to aspire to, it gave fans of the American sedan something to be proud of — a most significant feat indeed.

One out of every 200 registered 1999 Acura Integras was stolen last year, said Chicago-based CCC Information Services Inc., an insurance industry tracker of theft and vehicle damage. The list compares loss claims to the total number of registered vehicles.

The 2002 BMW M Roadster was No. 2 on the list and the 1998 Acura Integra was third. Other vehicles in the top 10 include the 1991 GMC V2500, the 2002 Audi S4 and the 2004 Mercury Marauder.

"Maybach's ability to earn first or second place on all of the four pillars of a luxury brand allowed it to break through despite its relatively low awareness and newness," said Milton Pedraza, CEO of the Luxury Institute. "It is clearly an impressive win for Mercedes Benz, which launched the automobile in the hopes of capturing a solid share of the ultra luxury car segment. Still, the resilience of Rolls Royce and Bentley, given the onslaught of models from new competitors such as Maybach, and from traditional competitors such as Ferrari, Maserati, and Aston Martin, is a testament to their ability to adapt while maintaining their heritage and brand identity."

"Porsche is known for its sports cars," said Mark Perleberg, lead auto expert, NADAguides.com, "but people are increasingly becoming familiar with the brand for its superior SUV, the Cayenne. Dad would love this vehicle -- it's sleek, fast and, believe it or not, offers impressive towing capabilities with a sizeable cargo area to boot ... all the features a luxury SUV should offer."

Toyota Tacoma PreRunner -- There are darn few inexpensive vehicles that a guy can feel comfortable in, but the Tacoma is a great personal-use truck that rides and handles better than many cars.

Scion xB -- The 2005 epitome of it's hip-to-be-square, the xB breadbox on wheels is the automotive equivalent of Dickies shorts and skate shoes -- if somebody has to explain them to you, you'll never understand.

Ford Focus ZX3 SES -- Pocket rocket American style, the ZX3 SES shows that Ford's U.S. engineers have learned a great deal from their European colleagues, and the styling is distinctive, not "me too."

Kia Spectra Hatchback -- This new-for-05 Spectra offers station wagon-like versatility and space in an inexpensive-to-buy and reasonable-to-maintain package. The big plus is its lengthy warranty coverage.

Chevrolet Cobalt LS coupe -- This good-looking new package is a far cry from its predecessor, the late, unlamented Chevrolet Cavalier. Its taut feel and good response are a revelation.

Hyundai Tiburon -- There's still room in the American market for an inexpensive sporty coupe, and the Tiburon plays that tune about as well as anyone these days.

MAZDA 3 Hatchback -- The MAZDA3 is a huge advance over its predecessor Protege, and while the Protege was a very good car, the MAZDA3's great interior and exterior design, plus good power make it a killer deal.

Scion tC -- Take sophisticated styling, a willing engine, a palatable price; mix in Toyota quality and what do you have? Another winner from the young Scion brand.

MINI Cooper -- When it comes to surprise-and-delight features few cars at any price can top the MINI Cooper; in this car you discover more cool features every time you drive it, and the driving experience itself is remarkable.

Honda Element -- If you want versatility, you're in your Element. The reverse-hinged rear doors make a fashion statement, but the big advantages of the Element are its form-follows-function design and its overall usability.

1. Dukes of Hazzard's General Lee -- from the 1970s TV show
2. Bullitt's dark green 1968 Mustang driven by Steve McQueen
3. Gone in 60 Seconds' Eleanor - the 1967 Shelby GT500
4. Back to the Future's flux capacitor-equipped 1983 DeLorean
5. Batman's Batmobile from the TV series starring Adam West
6. Goldfinger's Aston Martin DB5 driven by James Bond
7. Smokey & The Bandit's 1977 Pontiac Firebird T/A driven by Burt Reynolds
8. Herbie the Love Bug, the 1963 Volkswagen from the Disney movie
9. Starsky & Hutch's 1974 Ford Torino driven in the original TV show
10. The Green Hornet's Black Beauty - from the 1966 television series

Ford has a huge hit on its hands with the new Mustang, and dealers can barely keep up with demand. In the first four months of 2005, Ford sold 61,820 Mustangs in the U.S. -- an increase of 19% compared with the same period in 2004.

The Mini Cooper S convertible features a supercharged engine and a smooth six-speed manual. Extremely agile handling makes it enjoyable to drive. Operating the convertible top is as easy as pushing a button, and the top features a halfway-open setting that acts as a large sunroof. The Mini Cooper S ($29,820 as tested) is equipped with a supercharged, 168-hp, four-cylinder engine that delivers spirited performance and returns 25 mpg overall, the best in this test group. The six-speed manual transmission shifts accurately. Overall braking performance is excellent. But its ride is choppy, and the view through the small rear window is obscured by the rear seats. The 50/50 rear-split seats fold down to expand the minuscule trunk.

The Camry Solara is as practical as a convertible gets. Based on the Camry sedan, the Solara carries over the comfort and quietness of its sibling. The convertible top is well-insulated and the interior fit and finish is impeccable. But, like many convertibles, the vehicle suffers from body quiver. The Solara SLE ($31,147 as tested) comes with a 225-hp, 3.3-liter V6 engine that delivers ample performance and 21 mpg. The five-speed automatic transmission is slick and responsive. Overall braking performance is very good. The Solara’s trunk was the largest among the six convertibles in this group.

Despite years of warnings that the car industry was becoming too reliant on sport utility vehicles and pickup sales; that Detroit in particular was ignoring its passenger car divisions at its peril while chasing easy profits; that Japanese carmakers were continuing to build more fuel-efficient attractive cars and light trucks, the recent implosion of demand for these SUVs and pickups still comes as a shock. But it should not. It has been coming for a long time and, like war, a change of season or a lunar eclipse, it now has an aura of inevitability about it.